APWU President William Burrus Announces Retirement
President Burrus announced he will retire at the end of his term in 2010. The delegates at the All- Craft Conference in Las Vegas, NV gave him a standing ovation which brought tears to his eyes.
He also asked for a per capita national dues increase of $1 next year to help offset decreases in membership. He would continue making cuts in expenses as needed.
Don Cheney
Burrus to Retire at End of Term
APWU News Oct. 1, 2009
In an emotional closing to his speech at the union’s All-Craft Conference Sept. 30, APWU President William Burrus announced that he would not seek re-election in November 2010, ending a 53-year career in which he fought for better wages, benefits and dignity and respect on the job for hundreds of thousands of postal workers.
“I am in good health and I love what I do,” he said. “But I want to move on to another part of my life.
“I want to spend more time with my wonderful wife, Ethelda,” he said, introducing her to the assembly. “She has been by my side throughout my 37 years as an executive officer of this union.”
“I have looked forward to every day that I have served our members, and I look forward to the next 13 months. This is not the end, but effective November 2010 it will be time for me to turn the page and move on to the rest of my life.
“In the interim, I intend to continue my commitment to the membership, every hour, every day,” he added, drawing two standing ovations from a room packed with more than 2,000 conference participants.
The end of Burrus’ term will coincide with the conclusion of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement; the current contract expires Nov. 20.
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Also retiring:
National Assistant Clerk Craft Director “C” Rob Strunk
NBA’s John Clark (Chicago Region)
Steven J. Zamanakos (Denver Region), and
Dale “Leon” Tatum (Wichita Region).
USPS Lost $721 Million In August 2009–Over $6 Billion YTD
The U.S. Postal Service filed its July 2009 (unaudited) preliminary financial report yesterday with the Postal Regulatory Commission. USPS reported a net income loss of $721 million (July 2009 was $865 million). The year-to-date deficit currently stands at approximately $6.3 billion. Mail volume was down across all classes with an overall total decrease of 13.2%. The Postal Service continues to reduce its workhours with Mail Processing and Customer Services/Retail showing the highest reduction of 14.4% and 11.9% respectively.
The U.S. Postal Service said it “expects to lose more than $7 billion by the end of the fiscal year . The rising tide of red ink could leave the Postal Service with a potential cash shortfall of up to $700 million by its fiscal year-end on Sept. 30, when it must pay up to $5.8 billion to pre-fund retiree health benefits. Postal Service officials hope Congress will pass legislation that would increase its ability to borrow from the U.S. Treasury Department before the bill comes due.”
Editorial: Postal Route Adjustments In Slow Times
As the current round of route adjustments nears completion (the last adjustments were put in place by September 19), we have preliminary totals on the impact. In the Bay-Valley District, about 260 routes were abolished-including auxiliaries. Adding in the 140 routes abolished this spring, that’s 400 routes altogether, close to 12% of the total for the District.
Nationally, we were told almost 10,000 routes were eliminated, not counting the impact on T-6 assignments. This has had a major effect on our delivery units, not to mention the changes to individual routes. It is easy to feel the frustration of letter carriers who had changes of 50% or more to their route–or who lost their route altogether! (Some carriers lost routes during both adjustments).
Even though one of the goals of the adjustment teams was to minimize change as much as possible, because of the scope of the adjustments or because of geography, big changes had to be made.
Most Painful Adjustments yet
We received a lot of call and comments from carriers during these adjustments, and I believe that these were the most painful yet. Minor route adjustments have been done on almost every route in our Branch prior to this over the past several years, but the steep decline of cased mail volume reflected n these latest adjustments surprised those of is who have been involved during that time. Carriers get very attached to their routes and their customers and are the fact of the Service as they deliver the “last mile”. What’s more carriers have always hated change, because it is a job of routine, with its own rhythm. Although most carriers were realistic about getting an addition, the amount of territory having to move made this much more difficult.
Some things needed to be done better. The consultation process caused problems because of the involvement of local parties, who were not the ones actually doing the adjustments. We know that this caused some carriers to feel they didn’t get enough input.
Also, the quality of the forms 3999s were uneven, as was the cooperation of local management in getting things done. The time frame (May through August) caused too much pressure at the end of the process to get the adjustments completed. Local data integrity was an issue in too many units, particularly in the office, where light mail at times caused carriers to have to wait for parcels and accountables..
Next Steps
So what’s next?
Every route that was adjusted has to be given a full month of analysis and review sometime between September and the end of November. This means a new form 3999 will have to be done on each route, and with the troubles we had so far, we need to know if you feel that something is not right about the way they are done on your route or in your unit–and we need to know as soon as possible.!
Just as important–maybe even more important–is that we need every carrier to carry their adjusted route as professionally as you can! No skipping lunches or breaks! Do it by the book. If management changes your mode of delivery from dismount to park and loop, carry it that way to show exactly whether it saves any time. When we took at your review period we want to see a true evaluation of your route.
Your “Measuring Stick”
One further item, carriers often ask what their adjusted volume is. In a DOIS world, the world, the only volume worth measuring is the amount your route gets each day. Every Carrier should have received as 1840 Reverse with the final adjustment. Look at the adjusted office and street time.
Your “measuring stick” each day should be that street time. What time do you have to leave each day to make that street time in 8 hours? How much of the mail distributed to you can you take and still do that street time? Please use the form 3996 if you can’t make it within management’s expectations! Get a curtailment slip if told to leave mail. Call in if your are not authorized enough time.
Be professional! Protect yourself and the route!
Robert Rutter
NALC Branch #1111
PRC: The Future of Mail in the United States
Postal Regulatory Commission:
“Within our regulatory framework, I would like to encourage a national conversation on the future of mail and hardcopy communications in the United States,” Chairman Ruth Y. Goldway. The Nation’s mail system faces serious financial challenges exacerbated by historic declines in mail volume. The Postal Service has responded by cutting costs, downsizing operations, reducing its customer-service footprint and proposing further changes – such as eliminating one day of mail delivery service – that could have significant impact on customers and service nationwide. What do these changes mean for postal customers and the Nation? The conversation to answer that question has begun. Please feel free to join in by contacting the Commission. ”
Click here for a copy of the letter sent to a variety of stakeholders, organizations and associations. A list of the recipients is also included.”
House-Senate Panel Approves Measure to Keep Financially Troubled USPS Afloat
“A House-Senate panel on Thursday approved legislation to keep the government from closing down when the new budget year starts next week and employed a $4 billion bookkeeping maneuver to keep the financially troubled Postal Service afloat. The financially struggling Postal Service would be allowed to cover a budget shortfall by reducing its annual payment to a health care fund for retirees by $4 billion. Under current law, the Postal Service is required to transfer $5.4 billion to the Retiree Health Benefits Fund by Sept. 30, but Postal officials say they don’t have enough money to make the payment.” Full Story from Assoicated Press
USPS Incentive Offer Available to Postal Employees Seeking Disability Retirement
APWU News
The union has received a number of inquiries recently seeking clarification about whether employees who retire on disability are eligible for the incentive negotiated by the APWU, President William Burrus said.
“The agreement does not exclude such employees,” he noted. “The Memorandum of Understanding provides for an incentive of $15,000 for employees who retire or separate.”
The issue is addressed in Question #8 in the USPS-APWU Memorandum Of Understanding Re: One-Time Retirement Incentive — Questions and Answers [PDF].
[more Retirement, Separation Incentive news]
Union Address Concerns About USPS Retirement Incentive Offer
Burrus Update 15-2009, Sept. 22, 2009
The union has received inquiries about the possibility that some applicants for the $15,000 retirement/separation incentive may be excluded because the agreement negotiated by the union limits the number of recipients to 30,000. This concern is especially troubling for employees applying for Voluntary Early Retirement (VER), because the right to revoke applications will expire on Sept. 25, before employees know whether they will receive the incentive.
To date, fewer than 21,000 employees have applied for the incentive or expressed interest, so there may be no reason for concern; however, in the event that the number of applicants reaches 25,000, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the APWU and the USPS, the union and management will meet at the national level to decide the distribution of the remaining 5,000 slots between Mail Handler applicants and APWU-represented employees.
If it is anticipated at that time that the 30,000 limit will be reached, we will also decide who among the eligible employees will receive the incentive. Included among the options for consideration will be increasing the number of employees who will receive the incentive or permitting employees to cancel their retirement.
Employees should not be concerned that they will have committed to retire without assurance that they will receive the incentive.
William Burrus
President
USPS, APWU Reach Settlement On Individual Retirement Counseling
APWU News
The APWU and Postal Service reached a settlement [PDF] on Sept. 21 reaffirming management’s responsibility to provide individual retirement counseling to APWU-represented employees. In 2007, the Postal Service centralized its retirement counseling process, with specialists at the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) providing counseling, primarily by phone. Management said the change was made so that postal employees across the country would receive consistent information.
The settlement stipulates that local management must arrange reasonably private space for employees who wish to receive individual retirement counseling on the clock. Employees are permitted to have their spouse and/or advisor present during counseling.
Employees who cannot obtain counseling from HRSSC without assistance will be offered help from local management. Whether an employee is unable to start or complete the retirement counseling without assistance will be determined jointly by local management and the union on a case-by-case basis.
[more Retirement, Separation Incentive news]
USPS Board Of Governors Release Agenda For Upcoming Closed Meetings
Board of Governors schedule closed meetings again…
Times and Dates: 6 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2009; 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2009; and 8 a.m., Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
Place: Washington, DC, at U.S. Postal Service Headquarters, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW.
Status: Closed.
Matters to be Considered:
Monday, September 21 at 6 p.m. (Closed)
1. Financial Matters.
2. Strategic Issues.
3. Pricing.
4. Personnel Matters and Compensation Issues.
5. Governors’ Executive Session–Discussion of prior agenda items and Board Governance.
Tuesday, September 22 at 1 p.m. (Closed)
Continuation of Monday’s agenda.
Wednesday, September 23 at 8 a.m. (Closed)–if needed
Continuation of Monday’s agenda.
Contact Person for More Information: Julie S. Moore, Secretary of the Board, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW., Washington, DC 20260-1000. Telephone (202) 268-4800.
Julie S. Moore,
Secretary.
PMG Addresses Current Climate,Lays Foundation for Future Growth
Press Release
U.S. Postal Service Named Third Most Trusted Company for Privacy
WASHINGTON — In his annual state of the business address to the mailing industry, Postmaster General John E. Potter today outlined a roadmap for recovery and reaffirmed the Postal Service’s focus on adapting to changing customer needs and a changing marketplace.
Despite what Potter called, “one of the most difficult economic climates any of us have ever experienced,” the Postal Service managed to cut spending by $6 billion in 2009, while maintaining record levels of customer service and trust.
The Postal Service — already the Most Trusted Government Agency for the past five years — was ranked the third Most Trusted Company for Privacy for 2009, according to Ponemon Institute consumer survey results. The Postal Service moved up three positions from last year, and only eBay and Verizon ranked higher in levels of customer trust.
“There’s no other business that has such an active, collaborative and productive partnership with so many great customers in so many communities,” said Potter. “And we’re going to keep working to make that even stronger.”
One of the ways the Postal Service is increasing customer value is by pursuing aggressive marketing strategies and pricing and product innovations. Earlier this year, the Postal Service launched one of its largest and most integrated advertising campaigns promoting ways businesses and consumers can simplify shipping with flat-rate boxes, one of the best bargains on the marketplace.
In addition, recent Summer Sale and Saturation Mail incentive programs have made it easier for businesses to continue results-driven direct marketing campaigns in a down economy.
The Postal Service also has been working closely with Congress and the Administration on legislative actions that would help it manage huge statutorily-imposed cost mandates, provide greater flexibility and allow the Postal Service to operate more like a business.
“The simple fact is that the status quo is unacceptable,” said Potter. “The Postal Service must have the ability to manage its business, to adapt quickly to the needs of our customers and the marketplace. And our business model must change to reflect the reality of a volatile economy and a communications marketplace that has been undergoing a transformation as profound as anything that has ever come before.”
Potter cited three key areas in which the Postal Service is seeking legislation:
Changes to the accelerated payment schedule to pre-fund retiree health benefits statutorily mandated by the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006. Under current law, the Postal Service is required to make an annual payment of more than $5 billion into a trust fund. Legislation currently under consideration in Congress would ease the financial pressure while the Postal Service pursues the long-term actions necessary to cut fixed costs.
Ability to adjust the capacity of the Postal Service’s network to bring it in line with reduced mail use. Eliminating Saturday delivery could save the Postal Service as much as $3.5 billion a year.
Flexibility to expand product offerings into new areas that leverage the Postal Service’s unmatched scope, reach and presence of its distribution, transportation and retail networks to achieve their full revenue potential. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
In the meantime, Potter said the Postal Service is staying focused on its mission to provide universal, affordable service to all Americans.
“Service is still our priority. And we’ll continue to improve service as we implement more demanding service measurement systems,” he pledged.
The Postal Service also is implementing a new customer experience measurement system. The system replaces the current method of measuring customer satisfaction that has been in place since 1991, and is designed to evaluate the total customer experience, from mailpiece design to preparation to customer service to delivery. Insights and information from the new customer experience measurement system will allow the Postal Service to pinpoint areas of improvement as well as better adjust to changing customer needs.
The Postmaster General’s comments came during the National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Day broadcast, an annual event that brings together mailers, industry partners and customers to recognize their contributions to the Postal Service and outline future plans and goals. PCCs are a network of community-based business mailers and representatives of the U.S. Postal Service, who gather regularly to share ideas and resources to create a closer working relationship. On both the national and local levels, PCCs work to improve service and communications.
National PCC Day also showcases the work of PCCs and includes a series of awards recognizing outstanding service and individual achievement. The following award winners were announced:
PCC Industry Member of the Year: Chris Kropac, Long Island PCC
PCC Postal Service Member of the Year: Carl Karnish, Greater Baton Rouge PCC
PCC of the Year: Greater Portland (Oregon) PCC (large market), Mid-Michigan PCC (small market)
PCC District Manager of the Year: Ken Hale, District Manager, Long Island District and Tony Williams, District Manager, Northland District
Communication Program Excellence: Buffalo/Niagara PCC (gold), Greater Portland PCC (silver) and Capital Region (Albany) PCC (bronze)
Education Program Excellence: Greater Portland PCC (gold), Buffalo/Niagara PCC (silver) and Fort Worth PCC (bronze)
More information on Postal Customer Councils and National PCC Day can be found at usps.com/nationalpcc.